The Americas

Amy Kim: Introduction, Military, Advanceness
Nick Yun, Natural Resources, Innovation, Unification
Which factors were most prominent in each region during the 1700's?

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North America and South America



Introduction
America at the 18th century was clearly a rising power because at this time, America was showing clear innovation and strong patriotism, unification, and a strong unique democratic government. America, during the 1700s, was already establishing itself as an independent power. Yale College was founded in 1701, and had a Medical Institution, Divinity Schoo,, Law School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and School of Fine Arts. In 1747, Benjamin Franklin first began to write about his experiments with electricity. In 1773, British passed the Tea Act, which triggered the Boston Tea Party. This is a clear example of the American colonies struggling for independence and unifying. In 1774, the Virginia Conventions began, also leading to the First Continental Congress. In 1775 to 1783, the Revolutionary began between the British and the rebellious American colonies, led by George Washington. In that George Washington led to rag-tag Continental Army to victory shows clearly that America had outstanding leaders. In 1783, through the treaty of Paris, America won their independence, showing their military prowess and outstanding military leadership skills,



Unification
The colonies had come together as one and fought the battle togther as a unified country. “e pluribus unum” was a common phrase during the revolutionary war which meant "Out of many, One." This meant that out of all the colonies, they were united and willing to fight. In the revolutionizing in South America, they also came together as one, and cut ties with Spain and Portugal. South America broke independent from Spanish and Portugal rule in the early 1800s; South America was showing independence and unification as well. Both examples showed strong unification and the will to fight as one.



Trade
The Americas also had a strong economy through a rich natural resources that allowed them to thrive; such as coal, copper, lead, gold, iron, silver, and timber. Although they imported a large amount of goods, they also had enough resources to export goods as well. This made them have a strong economical trading system. They were an international customer and seller, which helped them culturally and economically.



Innovation
The Americas also made many new innovations to technology that enhanced their patriotism and the era of good feelings. First of all, they created a democratic system of government. The first clock was also invented in America during the 18th century. In addition, the cottin gin was made to make cottin production much more faster and efficient. Benjamin Franklin also invented the lightning rod and the heating system. Most importantly, the telegraph was invented so long distance communication was possible. All these inventions created a healthy environment that allowed the Americas to succeed and dominate.



Advanceness
America was going through series of periods where they were able to explore views of the world. During The Enlightment, during the 1700s, people where exploring the world through terms of "logic" and "reason." The Enlightenment principles would later help America establish a republic, as the new independent United States of America, had incorporate Enlightenment principles. During the Industrial Revolution, America went through significant changes in technology, transportation, and textiles. America at this time where steadily advancing in the science field where they began to make steamships, railroads, had an Agricultural Revolution, went through huge industrialization, and many more scientific breakthroughs. The Industrial Revoluition basically changed production, caused urbanization and led to a huge advancement in technology. America's economy and technology changed.



Natural Resources
America had many natural resources that helped militarily, technologically, and ecnomically more than other countriews. For example, America had coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timber



Military
In winning the Revolutionary War, America clearly proved that is was already the most militarily capable nation, in both leaders and weapon effectiveness. Once that they had beaten the British, which was at that time considered the strongest nation in the world, it proved that they were stronger than Britain.



Conclusion
Therefore, due to their more advancment, they were clearly the world power then, and in present day.



Bibliography
“American History Timeline.” 28 Aug 2008 <http://www.mdx.ac.uk/WWW/STUDY/america.htm>.
“Internet Modern History Sourcebook: Industrial Revolution.” 28 Aug 2008 <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/modsbook14.html>
“The Enlightenment.” 28 Aug 2008 <http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/hum_303/enlightenment.html>.
“The 1700's Timeline - Timelines for the World - a Wikia wiki.” 28 Aug 2008 <http://timeline.wikia.com/wiki/The_1700's_Timeline>.
“American European History Economics Essays -- Effects of Industrialization in 1700 - 1850.” 28 Aug 2008 <http://www.123helpme.com/preview.asp?id=60782>.